While Paddy Considine Shines, His Storyline in MobLand Is Not Done Justice
Warning: This article contains spoilers for MobLand Season 1, Episode 9
Content Warning: This article contains mentions of sexual assault.
The penultimate episode of MobLand, titled "Beggars Banquet," forces us to reckon with a pivotal truth: time is running out for this series. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Cotswolds, the narrative’s claustrophobic tension dissipates as characters ebb and flow, seemingly without consequence. While Conrad (played by the legendary Pierce Brosnan) may bluster and threaten, the only notable consequence appears to be his menacing gaze.
But such is life in MobLand—where characters drift in and out, and story arcs flounder, rendering the experience one of narrative disarray. Despite our hopes, Conrad is only now discussing his fentanyl ambitions with Mexican partners, a plotline introduced in the pilot! With only one episode remaining, the myriad ways season one could conclude offer no promise of satisfying resolutions.
Kevin’s Childhood Trauma Storyline Is Mishandled
Are the Plotlines Even Connected?
At this stage in MobLand, it’s futile to scrutinize every storyline. None holds more weight than another, and while they occasionally intersect, any sense of cohesion feels absent. For instance, Richie’s (portrayed by Geoff Bell) dealings with authorities clash awkwardly against Harry’s (masterfully acted by Tom Hardy), making it appear as if they inhabit entirely different narratives. Moreover, Bella’s (played by Lara Pulver) troubling encounters with Syrian arms dealers feel like they belong in another series altogether.
Kevin’s (embodied by the talented Paddy Considine) pursuit of vengeance for his sexual assault stands out, offering him more narrative depth than many characters on the show. However, the execution of this subplot raises eyebrows. The show repeatedly dramatizes Kevin’s trauma, often in excessively graphic detail, casting doubt on its narrative intent. Considine delivers an emotionally resonant performance, yet the clumsy treatment of his story arc hints at deeper problems within the series.
In a chaotic prison confrontation with the man who assaulted him, clarity evades the viewer—a messy scene that obscures the very identity of his abuser. In a grim twist, Kevin shoots the elderly man, but the moment unfolds with unintended dark humor, stripping away the gravity of Kevin’s journey. As the series hurtles toward its conclusion, it seems increasingly unlikely there’ll be a satisfying resolution to this complex storyline.
There Are Never Any Lasting Ramifications in MobLand
Tom Hardy’s Limited Presence
As the episode concludes, the infamous "Beggars Banquet" dinner scene fails to deliver the tension it aimed for. Despite the potential for darkly comedic exchanges, it ultimately falls flat. One wonders how much more effective it could have been if Tom Hardy had taken a more central role in the scene. Instead, he languishes almost mute at the table’s end, overshadowed by Maeve (played by Helen Mirren), Conrad, Jan (portrayed by Joanne Froggatt), and their guest, Alice (played by Emily Barber).
In this chaotic dinner, any potential for character development goes unnoticed. Jan remains subdued, while Alice struggles under pressure, unable to maintain her undercover persona. Consequently, the focus remains unjustly on Maeve and Conrad, whose uninspired performances contribute to a pervasive discomfort—not the unsettling kind that MobLand intended.
Just when it seems the situation couldn’t devolve further, Maeve and Conrad are arrested, only to reconcile almost instantaneously. This troubling resolution encapsulates the series’ ongoing problem: nothing ever truly matters; the plot moves on without allowing for reflection or consequence.
In summary, while MobLand teeters on the brink of narrative collapse, Paddy Considine’s performance proves invaluable. However, as we witness the mishandling of critical story arcs, especially Kevin’s harrowing experience, one can’t help but wonder—will the season finale offer the closure it desperately needs? Only time will tell.
Episodes of MobLand are available on Paramount+ every Sunday at 12 AM PT.
For a deeper dive into the latest episodes and critiques, check out Screen Rant.
